Alma Garden: a vacant lot becomes food, books, and naloxone on the east side

DETROIT. Rukiya Colvin bought a debris-strewn lot on the east side in 2024 and turned it into Alma Garden. What started as two garden beds now grows fresh produce alongside a 24-hour outdoor book library, a children's play area with a community trampoline, and a rainwater collection system.

The garden also keeps a naloxone dispenser on site for overdose prevention. Neighbor Paula Copeland started volunteering after watching the project grow. Colvin plans to add a treehouse and more learning space next.